In light of a notable increase in anti-Asian hate incidents since 2020, advocates for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have successfully campaigned for the inclusion of AAPI history in K-12 education across multiple states. West Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut is preparing to implement a curriculum that covers significant historical events, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and highlights individual contributions, including Sadao Munemori, the first Japanese American recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Jessica Blitzer, the social studies department supervisor, emphasized the importance of this expanded curriculum, particularly in a diverse community. The curriculum will be integrated across all grades, except for fourth and fifth, transitioning from a limited focus on heritage months to a year-round educational approach.

The movement for AAPI history education has gained traction following violent incidents against AAPI individuals, including the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings. A 2024 survey revealed that a majority of AAPI adults support teaching history through the lens of systemic racism and social justice. Consequently, approximately a dozen states have enacted laws mandating AAPI history in schools.

The curriculum will encompass a variety of topics, including the experiences of South Asian and Vietnamese communities, as well as landmark legal cases like Wong Kim Ark's fight for birthright citizenship. Jason Oliver Chang from the University of Connecticut has played a crucial role in developing this legislation and training educators, highlighting the influence of student testimonials on lawmakers.

Despite bipartisan support for AAPI history education, divisions remain, particularly in conservative states where some lawmakers contest the concept of systemic racism. For example, Florida's recent legislation requiring AAPI history has faced criticism for its inconsistency, especially given the state's refusal to adopt an Advanced Placement African American studies course.

In Arizona, a proposed bill to mandate AAPI and Native Hawaiian history encountered opposition from some community leaders who argued it would present a sanitized version of history while overlooking the narratives of other marginalized groups. Critics, such as Amber Reed from AAPI New Jersey, have expressed concern that prioritizing AAPI history at the expense of African American and Latinx histories undermines a comprehensive understanding of American history.

As West Hartford Public Schools prepares to evaluate and enhance its curriculum, the objective remains to provide a balanced historical perspective that includes diverse viewpoints. Assistant Superintendent Anne McKernan underscored the importance of portraying a history that reflects both challenges and achievements, aiming for a richer educational experience for all students.